Our brains have the tendency to operate very much like a computer, and just like a computer aging and memory can go hand in hand. Therefore, doing simple things to nurture ourselves can help “upgrade our computer” (in improving our memory).
First, here are some quick tips to help you improve your memory. Don’t try to memorize them, simply print this article out and refer back to it when you need it.
- Focus your attention – If you’re not really interested in a particular topic or conversation it is particularly tough to remember things. So make it a habit to focus your attention, leave out the multi-tasking when you really want to remember.
- Involve your senses – Your body remembers with all of its senses, it will anchor the experience within the body and you can use it to help you remember. This works great!
- Organize information for your learning style – If you tend to think non-linearly, then do a mind map. If you tend towards linear thinking, do an outline. Notice how you tend to learn.
- Chunking – Break things down into smaller chunks. First, the mind has a tough time retaining information that goes past a 45-50 minute stretch without a break. So take a break. Then, “chunk” bits of information by grouping them into similar topics.
- Stay positive – It is really tough to remember if you are having an unpleasant experience while trying to memorize. Just think about it, what do you tend to remember most, fun experiences or unpleasant ones? For me, I tend to recall the fun ones much easier, have fun!
Here are some tools that may also help:
- Use rhymes and music to help you memorize.
- Make jokes with the informatioin it adds the fun, while making memorization easier.
- K.I.S.S. – Use acronyms like this one “Keep It Simple Silly”
- Attach what you’ve learned to something that is already familiar to you in your mind. Example: Imagine something you need to remember hanging on the ceiling of your home. Your home is already something you easily remember, and then you’ve attached something unusual into the picture. Much easier to recall when you need it.
We can’t leave out ways to support your body with the basics:
- Good Nutrition and Exercise play an important role in good memory.
- Keeping good lifestyle habits (another obvious one), tough to memorize and/or learn under stress, this includes not sleeping.
And of course supporting your body with the nutrition it needs may include:
- B vitamins, especially B6, B12, and folic acid, protects neurons by breaking down homocysteine, an amino acid that is toxic to nerve cells. (Dr. Mercola even shares how B12 can even be an energy booster)
- Antioxidants like Thai Go, vitamins C and E, and beta carotene fight free radicals, which are atoms formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules
- Omega-3 fatty acids are concentrated in the brain and are associated with cognitive function. (Here is more on Essential Fatty Acids and their importance.)
- And for me certain high quality products help greatly, products like Brain-Protex, Ginko Biloba, and others like these.
I encourage you to listen to the following short 4 minute audio to help you learn more about how to support your memory Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version [block]9[/block]. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
I trust these resources are of support to you and will continue to help you create better memory and even better health. Have fun “upgrading your computer”.
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